In Scottish history, few names go farther back than Balkaskay, whose ancestors lived among the clans of the Pictish tribe. They lived on the lands of Balcaskie in the parish of Carnbee in Fife. The name is a topographic surname, which was given to a person who resided near a physical feature such as a hill, stream, church, or type of tree. Habitation names form the other broad category of surnames that were derived from place-names. They were derived from pre-existing names for towns, villages, parishes, or farmsteads. Other local names are derived from the names of houses, manors, estates, regions, and entire counties.

Early History of the Balkaskay family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Balkaskay research.Another 195 words (14 lines of text) covering the years 1296 and 1600 are included under the topic Early Balkaskay History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Balkaskay Spelling Variations

The arts of spelling and translation were yet in their infancies when surnames began, so there are an enormous number of spelling variations of the names in early Scottish records. This is a particular problem with Scottish names because of the numerous times a name might have been loosely translated to English from Gaelic and back. Balkaskay has been spelled Balcaskie, Balcasky, Balkasky, Balcaski and others.

Early Notables of the Balkaskay family (pre 1700)

More information is included under the topic Early Balkaskay Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Balkaskay family to the New World and Oceana

This oppression forced many Scots to leave their homelands. Most of these chose North America as their destination. Although the journey left many sick and poor, these immigrants were welcomed the hardy with great opportunity. Many of these settlers stood up for their newfound freedom in the American War of Independence. More recently, Scots abroad have recovered much of their collective heritage through highland games and other patriotic functions and groups. An examination of passenger and immigration lists has located various settlers bearing the name Balkaskay: Balcaskie of Carnbee.